Union Avenue Opera - St. Louis, Missouri

Alexandra LoBianco as Leonora in Il Trovatore.

“There’s no reason to do it without the right singers, and the Leonora of soprano Alexandra LoBianco definitely qualified… LoBianco exhibited a true Verdian voice of velvet-covered steel, effortlessly tossing off trills and roulades. She really developed as a character, too, blazing through the second half… The tiny chorus – just 16 people for Verdi’s big do – sang heroically and well.” Sarah Bryan Miller St. Louis Post Dispatch

“Artistic Director Scott Schoonover has assembled a cast of outstanding voices. Eric Ashcraft and Thomas Beard, as Manrico and Count di Luna, are powerful and compelling. Veronica McHale, as the gypsy mother, Azucena, sings flawlessly… But it is soprano Alexandra LoBianco who runs triumphantly away with the evening’s laurels in the role of Leonora. Hers is a remarkably strong, clear, pure and open voice that rises easily to all of Verdi’s challenges. Hers is the voice that soars out over and above all the other fine voices in the cast. And as the story proceeds Ms. LoBianco shows all the flashing-eyed passion appropriate to the role.” Steve Callahan KDHX

Sylvia Stoner in Die lustige Witwe

“The Union Avenue Opera presents a delightful production of perhaps the world’s most popular operetta-Franz Lehar’s Die Lustige Witwe With a superb cast and quite delicious staging… The cast is perfection itself. Quite truly there is not a weak point in it. I’ve rarely heard such uniform vocal excellence. Sylvia Stoner, as Hanna, is beautiful and vivacious, with a strong, clear soprano. Ian Greenlaw sings Count Danilo. His is a lovely strong baritone. And he is such a gorgeously dashing romantic lead. .. Ms. Hoyt is ravishing, as usual, with a brilliant voice and most delightful and expressive eyes. Thomas Wazelle, in the role of her admirer, shows a smaller voice than some others in the cast, but his sweet purity and perfect control make up for any want of vocal power… there is a stage full of waltzing and a most exciting and delicious can-can number with a whole line of beautiful grisettes dancing perfectly in a swirl of frothy skirts and petticoats
Stage director Jolly Stewart and choreographer Dana Stone deserve high praise for such success.” Steve Callahan KDHX

“Artistic director Scott Schoonover assembled a generally strong cast. Baritone Ian Greenlaw was near perfect as Danilo: tall, handsome and with a beautiful dark-hued voice. Soprano Sylvia Stoner made an attractive, winning Hanna, acting and singing strongly.” Sarah Bryan Miller St. Louis Post Dispatch

Patricia Johnson and Roderick George in Lakme.

“As the Brahmin priestess Lakmé, soprano Patricia Johnson looked beautiful in her midriff-baring costumes, and sounded lovely when she floated her voice… Tenor Roderick George was sympathetic as Gérald, the British officer who loves her. He has a big voice and high notes that won’t quit.” Sarah Bryan Miller St. Louis Post Dispatch

“I had the pleasure of viewing performing arts at its finest, thanks to the brilliant work of Union Avenue Opera’s Artistic Director Scott Schoonover, and the cast of his latest production, Leo Delibes’ Lakme… While my ears were ringing with delight, my eyes were wide with wonder; thanks to the colorful set created by Patrick Huber…All told, Union Avenue Opera’s production of Lakme is first rate; presenting a cast of outstanding vocalists, an orchestra pit packed with professional musicians, and an experienced artistic staff who knows how to engage audiences in a satisfying evening of authentic opera.” Missy Miller KDHX

On Union Avenue Opera’s 15 years

“For fifteen seasons, Scott Schoonover has introduced St. Louis audiences to the magnificence of opera, creating an authentic experience with performances delivered in their original language. For those who have yet to attend a Union Avenue Opera production, here is what to expect; first and foremost, highly trained, well seasoned performers whose soaring sounds reverberate throughout the church theater. In fact, I suggest sitting as close to the stage as possible so you can experience the surging power of these remarkable vocalists. Second, a high caliber group of orchestra musicians whose accompaniment further enhances the authenticity and richness of each production, and finally, for those who are a little rusty with their French, German, Italian, or Russian language skills, there are subtitles placed on each side of the stage.” Missy Miller KDHX